The Walking Dead: Season 9 Episode 1 Explained

2. Preparing For The Exit

While Rick and Maggie get a lot of focus in this episode, they're joined by series stalwarts Daryl and Carol in what feels like a clear attempt to prepare for the future.

There's been talk of Norman Reedus taking up Andrew Lincoln's mantle when he departs and, while there's nothing to suggest they'll go quite that far (nor anything to suggest Reedus is up to the task of being the sole lead), they are giving Daryl meatier material than he's had in years.

It's a jarring shift, given how much they've pushed him to the periphery in the last few seasons - the days of 'if Daryl dies, we riot' feel like aeons ago - but by bringing him more into the centre and potentially pushing him against Rick, it'll give him more to do when Rick does depart.

The same goes for Carol too, who is given leadership responsibility and a key relationship, and while Michonne doesn't get as much to do, it's made clear she's co-leader of Alexandria alongside Rick now, and those three should be the leads in the back-half of Season 9.